Officer Down Memorial Page

Jeff,

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year, but it is tempered with the fact that during this time you were killed doing your job as we all did.

Despite the fact that you are gone from this earth, thoughts of this time of year should focus on the good fortune that we have and have had. Thinking back to those days while we were all on the road, I many times wished they were still here or that I could relive them somehow. That unforunately is impossible.

In my heart I know I should be thankful for what I have and for the good fortune that has brought me to where I am. Sometimes I am comforted by this and sometimes I have my concerns about the future. I'm only human.

As far as you and the rest of us who knew you and worked with you and the good time we all had, maybe there is a proper perspective to put this all in. That perspective is to be thankful that I was part of that time with you. That it was full of good memories. I'll never forget you or that time. We should all move forward, but not forget you. I guess if one has faith and is thankful for what they have, moving forward and experiencing the new twists in life is good. If one also mixes in the memories of the wonderful times of the past, it makes things better.

Jeff, God bless you and your family. Rest in the peace that you deserve.

Your Comrade,
The Don

Sergeant Anthony C. Lupardo Jr. (Ret.)
New York State Police
November 23, 2012

I remember our roadside meetings where we would share how each others days were going. And the numerous assists we had at different calls.

Rest in peace my friend.

Police Officer John Hopkins (RET)
Liberty, New York Police Department
November 23, 2011

I haven't a reason why I have taken so long to write. I've never forgotten you or what happened to you. Maybe it takes certain courage to write something like this that I maybe have lacked all this time. I'm sad because you are no longer on this earth with us. I'm also sad that you are a representative of an era in a time, who is gone from us who are left behind forever. From my end, we all seemed to have thrived and enjoyed the moments that made up that time that included you.

I remember the last ngiht we ever worked together and you gave me a ride home. We were just taking shop talk. Regardless of what we were talking about, all that mattered way back when, was that we were hanging out together. Then the next afternoon you were dead.

I consider myself a religious person and at least how I see it, we must be faithful to our creator because the end could come when you least expect it. I guess it goes both ways. I could have never expected what happened to you to happen after I had just talked to you. Time and people are more precious than we sometimes realize. Maybe that makes us remiss or maybe we are just simply that human.

During all of this sadness and tragedy, I had met your parents and sister. I came to know them as courageous people, staring in the face of something no one at the time in their lives should have to stand. I hope, if they aren't already, that they one day will all live in peace.

I've told many, even your father, who all agreed that at times I wanted to wring your neck and for every one of those times your were a funny and good man. It's hard sometimes to be a boss, walking a tightrope, but you weren't one of those who made me feel uncomfortable about walking that tightrope.

You used to say"...don't worry" to me all the time. But I did worry and worry often. Not that people would let me down, but that I cared what happened to everyone I was responsible for. I tried my best and I hope I didn't let you or anyone else down. I hope I was there for you and everyone else.

I felt comfortable working with you and hanging around with you. You provided for me one of the many great gifts someone could ever give to me and that is the ability to make me laugh. Not at you, but with you.

I pass the site of you accident often and can't help but think of you and that era of time. I think it was your father I discussed this with and he brought forth the question of "why". All I could tell him is that we'll know when our time comes. I hope all of us are together again when all of our times come.

This is all I have for now, though we all know there is much more that could be told of you and your sometimes crazy and funny exploits (-:

I hope you are forever resting at peace with God.

John 11:25,26 - "...I am the resurrection and the life: he who believeth in me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die..."

God Bless You,
The Don

Sergeant Anthony C. Lupardo Jr. (Ret.)
NYSP
November 21, 2011

Kishka

Anonymous
February 25, 2011

To The Edelson Family:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on the loss of your son and to all his friends and colleagues. His bravery and courage will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Officer Edelson
Rabbi Lewis Davis

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
November 23, 2010

Jeff,

Seven years have passed, and I still think of you often. The last words we exchanged were through email when you offered congratulations on the birth of my daughter, Jessie, who just turned 7. I miss the time we spent together while teaching RADAR at the academy. You made those long weeks bearable with your Chinese food, and your wit. I learned how you always saw the good in people, and never said an unkind word about anyone. You were always talking on the phone to someone in your family while we were roommates at the academy, so I know you loved your family very much.

I remember telling Teresa about your accident, and how devistated she was. I hope you are looking after her up there.

Anyone who reads these reflections knows how well respected you were as a Trooper, but more so as a person. You were a kind-hearted man that I have the utmost respect for how you lived your life. I feel very forturnate that I was given the opportunity to get to know you, and am a better man for being your friend.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, but most of all, your friendship.

Andrew

Investigator Andrew Jasie
NYSP
November 23, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 24, 2009

RIP hero.. 5 years gone but never forgotten...

Godspeed

Wife of LEO
November 23, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this fifth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
November 23, 2008

Thinking of you and your family on this 5th Anniversary.
Cindy & Jim Todeschini

Cindy Todeschini
Mother of Craig J.Todeschini EOW 4/23/06
November 22, 2008

Lynda,

Jeffrey and I were classmates in High School. Although I was not a close friend of Jeffrey, I remember Jeff as a good person who was fun to kid around with. As someone who has spent a significant amount of time hiking / traveling in the Catskill Mountains, I feel a special appreciation for the community and area were Jeffrey served as a state trooper.

I was saddened when I learned of Jeff’s passing and I thought of Jeff recently when the Hewlett High School Class of 1987 held its 20th reunion. Jeffrey’s absence was felt by many. I would have enjoyed catching up with Jeff after all these years. Jeff you are a good spirit.

In closing, I just wanted to let you and your family know that I have a great respect and appreciation for Sergeant Edelson’s service to the citizens of New York State and I admire Jeffrey for pursuing a worthwhile career in law enforcement and public service.
I hope those who knew Jeff and miss him most can find solace in memories of Jeff and in the power of Jeff’s noble spirit.

Godspeed Sgt. Edelson.

John V

John Valenti
high school classmate
May 19, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
December 20, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 26, 2007

"IT IS NOT HOW HE DIED, BUT HOW HE LIVED, THAT MAKES HIM A HERO" Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Godspeed.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN
November 23, 2007

Thinking of you on the 4th anniversary of your EOW.
Sounds like you were a kick in the pants! May your
memory bring a smile to everyone who loved and
knew you!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

November 23, 2007

On this 3rd year anniversary of your death, we are thinking of your family and friends. You are a true hero and will not be forgotten.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05
November 23, 2007

We remember meeting your mom and dad in the elevator at our hotel in Albany during police week this past May. As they introduced themselves, we could just feel their pain. We know time heels all wounds, but the scar will remain forever. God Bless.

The DelNagro Family
NYSP - SP Rochester

August 2, 2007

As the third anniversary of your tragic death nears, please know that your dedication and sacrifice are remembered and honored.
Rest in peace, sir.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
November 22, 2006

Every morning when i come to work i log on to my computer and pull up a picture of Jeff. I still smile when i see his face and think about how much i love him. My wife,michele, and i still make jeffry jokes all the time and say how much we miss him. He was my fraternal big brother and a dear friend. My heart goes out to his family. Jeffry was truly a one of a kind.

Gregg Schonhorn
fraternal little brother
July 25, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
TN
July 18, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the New York State Police. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Sergeant Jeffry Edelson deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Sergeant Jeffry Edelson is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina
July 18, 2006

Thank you for all you've done.

firefighter/paramedic, NY
April 23, 2006

MY BEST FRIEND JEFF,THERE IS NOT A DAY
THAT GOES BY,THAT WE DONT THINK OF YOU.
IM GREATFUL FOR THE TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER IN AUGUST AT THE N.J. STATE
FAIR.
WE TALKED ABOUT MANY THINGS,THIS BEING ONE OF THEM.YOU TOLD ME YOU WOULD ALWAYS BE CAREFUL,AND I KNOW YOU WERE
JUST A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.
AS YOU KNOW I HAD A FEW OF THEM.
I SPEAK WITH YOUR DAD AND MOM EVERY FEW
WEEKS,AND WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THEM
FOR YOU.
JONATHAN MY SON IS NOW IN COLLEGE STUDYING TO BECOME A STATE TROOPER
LIKE YOU BECAUSE OF YOU.PLEASE WATCH OVER HIM AND GUIDE HIM LIKE YOU GUIDED
YOURSELF AND ILL BE VERY PROUD.
WE ALL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU.

YOUR FRIEND JEFF GANNON

February 24, 2006

As I look at the reflections left to you, i can clearly learn many things about you...you were "quite a character," you were a man of good character, you enjoyed your career, and everyone enjoyed you. I wish I could have met you. Enjoy the streets of gold, and guard those pearly gates my friend. GODSPEED, God bless your family & friends!

Police Officer 3455
Buffalo NY PD
February 3, 2006

Remembering you on the 2nd anniversary of your passing. Sounds
like you left shoes too large to fill.
God bless all those that loved you
and those whom you loved.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

November 23, 2005